Heavy Snowfall at Prashar, Brahmatal, Kedarkantha, Deoriatal, Nag Tibba and Sandakphu

Prashar Lake trekkers welcomed with snowfall

Snowfall seems to have an “easy come, easy go” personality this season. After a bout of dry spell at Prashar Lake, this weekend’s batch hit the jackpot. Snow adorned the trail magnificently!  Here is what the trail to Prashar Lake looks like now:

Brahmatal trekkers stopped by snow

While Prashar Lake turned into a white wonderland overnight, snow has not always been welcome on our other treks. Our Brahmatal trekkers trudged through heavy snow to get to summit.  The March 5th batch saw snowfall on Day 3 of the trek. The Brahmatal campsite was covered in at least half foot snow. They couldn’t go to the summit because of this weather — however, trekkers kept themselves happy by sliding down the snow slopes!

This is a picture of Lohajung we received yesterday evening. 

The Bekaltal campsite had over feet of snow. Trudging through this could be tiresome. If you’re headed to Brahmatal any time in the next few weeks, choose your trekking gear wisely. You’ll need quick dry pants, woollen socks and all other winter gear.

Kedarkantha new route too snowy. Trekkers will take the old route till the end of the month

All batches till March 26th will be taking the old route starting from Sankri.

The new route to the Kedarkantha summit starts from Naitwar. It involves a short drive and then trek begins. But the road is currently blocked with too much snow. So trekkers will be taking the old route that starts from Sankri.

The route will take you through Juda Ka Talab and KK Base and to the summit. As per our reports from this morning, KK Base has close to 4 feet of snow! That’s what happens when it snows for 12 hours continuously.

Nag Tibba trekkers turn around before reaching summit

This weekend’s Nag Tibba batch also faced inclement weather.  Heavy snow and rain played spoilsport and trekkers could only reach up to Nag Tibba temple. They had to turn around, forgoing plans to reach the summit.

Sandakphu shrouded in fog

Moving on to our eastern slope,  fog has been relentless in Sandakphu. While the Sleeping Buddha plays hide and seek with our trekkers, the Everest sisters can only be spotted on a lucky day. However, our trekkers are taking refuge in the forest trails on Sandakphu — where flowering has begun! Here is a look into the foggy Sandakphu trail.

“Today is the first day back home after the trek and I cannot stop yearning for the mountains. The trek itself was organised very well. Vishal was a fantastic trek leader and the entire team learned so much from him. Our guide, Sange and Co-guide, Pshiring, were always around to lend a helping hand and keep our spirits up when the Mountains seemed most daunting. It’s crazy how a trek can change one’s perspective. It’s safe to say that Indiahikes has got me hooked to trekking and you will definitely be hearing from me in the future.”– Vedanth Chugh, March 2017 batch

Deoriatal submerged in snow

Here’s a picture we got from our mountain staff three days ago. If you’re headed to Deoriatal in the March 18th or 19th batch, brace yourselves for this. Do not forget your warm wear. We’ll give you the snow gear.

A small change in Hampta Pass itinerary

We have made a small change in our Hampta Pass itinerary. As per our old itinerary, trekkers stayed at Manali on Day 1. On Day 2, they drove to Jobra. From Jobra, then they trekked to Jwara. Now this itinerary made our trekkers gain height very rapidly — from Manali at 6,726 feet, to Jobra at 9,800 feet and finally to Jwara at 11,072 ft. All in one day!

We have changed the itinerary a bit to factor in acclimatization. Now, our Hampta Pass trekkers have to report to Prini in Manali on Day 1 at 12 pm. We will take them to Jobra, where they trek for 20 minutes to reach their campsite. Day 1 will be spent acclimatizing to the altitude. This is so that the trek to Jwara is a lot more comfortable the next day.

Have a look at the new itinerary here.

A bit about our oldest base camp, Lohajung

To end the updates on an interesting note, we have a lovely picture from our Trek leader Dushyant.

While this languorous picture shows what our staff does on a lull time at the base camp, our founder Arjun pointed out few interesting things I’d like to share. The cedar tree they are sitting under is not native to the place. It was planted specifically there by Lord Curzon. There are few more at GMVN.

The cedar tree is right in the middle of the Lohajung Pass. It cuts across from Mandoli side to Kulling side. No wonder the earlier maps of the place call Lohajung as Lohajung pass!

Stay tuned to our website for more updates.